I’m writing today to the 3,322 women who gathered in Minneapolis 12 days ago. Those of you who participated from afar, by following social media and reading news releases, I’m talking to you, too. From social media posts and emails received, you’ve described the gathering as “transformational” and “energizing,” “an opportunity for “spiritual renewal.”
So when Monday, July 17th rolled around, and you were at work or shuttling kids back and forth or doing the laundry, was anything different because you had been at the gathering? Because you had heard the speakers, walked the labyrinth, worshiped together, dug into workshops, applied your gifts in servant events?
Were you seeing the world with new eyes? Offering up altered prayers? Sensing the needs of neighbors in a different way? Even recognizing that your definition of “neighbors” had changed?
Remember the words that we heard
We are daughters of a troublemaker, Kelly Fryer told us. We are called to follow Jesus’ example of standing with those on the margins, even at great risk to one’s own personal comfort or reputation. Doing that, Fryer reminded us, is to stand side by side with Jesus.
Anew is not an event, Leymah Gbowee informed us. It is a process. And Jesus renews us all daily to do his work. It is in working together, not in a silo, that we will bring change to a world plagued by racism, violence and greed.
While we Lutheran Christian women are good at mercy, we must move into justice work, Alexia Salvatierra implored. We are called to treat each other as family, exercising both compassion and justice.
Being a Christian is not easy or comfortable. If you are comfortable in Jesus, Angela Khabeb warned us, you are doing it wrong. God of the universe blesses everyone.
My continuing prayer for us, both individually and collectively as the organization known as Women of the ELCA, is that we latch onto this “all anew” momentum and work to bring about the change that is so sorely needed in our church, the society and the world.
I’m ready. Will you join me?
Linda Post Bushkofsky is executive director of Women of the ELCA. Photo by Jim Veneman of Leymah Gbowee linking arms with participants to symbolize linking across color and creed and ethnicity for the humanity of the world.
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My eyes were open to my white privilege when I colleague told me she had to have “the talk” about how to walk down a street with her son. There had been a shooting near his college campus and the shooter was an African American male. I asked her what do you mean, “the talk” and she said African American parents have to talk to their kids about how to not draw attention to themselves and how to converse with a police officer if they engage them in conversation; and I do not mean just being respectful to an authority figure. This occurs regularly for families of color. Never in my wildest dreams have I thought about having to talk to my children about how to walk down the street.
The second time I understood that I own white privilege whether I like or not, is when a young teacher I work with was pulled over because his tail light was out on his car. He was held for over an hour because someone with the same Hispanic name had a warrant out for arrest EVEN THOUGH the suspect was much older (the teacher was 23) and the address was not even close to where they were or the address listed on his license.
Both of these stories are much like the story that Kelly told when someone stated,”Who let the Mexicans in?” THAT is HORRIFIC!
We do not get to discount white privilege (race) just like my colleagues could not discount their race.
Lord, I call on you to continue to open my heart, invite me to listen, help me walk side by side with all your people, and call me to act for justice.
I definitely am ready and willing to make changes–mostly to our WELCA groups and churches. The Triennial plenaries and worship reaffirmed me in my call to be an advocate for those on the margins.
I felt like I had been living with a masked face or in a closet. This was a marvelous heart, mind and eye opener. Thanks
Seeds for everyone! I don’t think you can attend a Triennial and not be fired up for ministry. The focus on justice was powerful! Let it roll!
I am renewed in my personal resolve “to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly” with God. Micah 6:8.
MAGNIFICENT!
I was greatly moved by all the speakers to open my eyes and hear the cries of the world. I also was given hope that when I am upset about the way people are treated poorly I am on track and need to pray and support the downtrodden in any way I can! Just like Jesus!
Colette I hope you inspire your sewing group to try this new project.
I’m meeting tomorrow night with the group of 15 women who traveled from our church in Michigan. I’m anxious to hear what they feel moved to do. This triennial can make a difference. We can make a difference.
If all of those powerful calls to action and conviction didn’t stir something in the breast of every woman there, it’s hard to imagine what would. Let the wheat be sown.
I really loved the fiery spirit of Kelly, Leymah, and Alexia, and I truly feel inspired to match their spirit in my work for justice in the world.
The Sunday morning worship was the icing on the cake! What wonderful ideas from all the speakers! I wrote an article for our church newsletter about Triennial, then found out it was supposed to be short. That’s not possible. I do feel different, excited to try some new things, and hope our sewing group will agree to make feminine hygiene kits.
Colette, maybe you could put your article in “TheScroll.” I’d love to read it.
Colette let us know when the group says ‘yes.’ Days for Girls is a wonderful movement and it is a great blessing to know that each kit made goes to a girl who will use it every month. Now, that’s direct impact! Getting started and sticking with it can be overwhelming in the beginning but, the results are worth it! I’m Glad you came and left all anew!
Valora Starr, director for discipleship [email protected]
Bless you Barbara for your reflections!
I did feel different on Monday, July 17th. Felt as though I was truly seeing the people around me. Tried harder to make eye contact with others and sincerely inquire as to how they were. I felt as though I wanted to be more engaged and to know more fully the person behind the smile, or in some cases, the frown. Leymah Gbowee message of compassion and community really resonated with me. I think even small changes can collectively bring about big transformations.